Parade marks 75 years of female cops
No uniforms, patrolling in pairs, communicating via telegrams — life as a New Zealand policewoman was certainly different in 1943, says 94-year-old Raumati resident and former policewoman Marie Storey.
A parade celebrating 75 years of women in police will make its way through Wellington CBD on Monday, led by Storey, Police Commissioner Mike Bush, Police Minister Judith Collins and victims’ advocate and Police College wing patron Louise Nicholas.
Two torches have been lighting the way to Wellington from Cape Reinga and Bluff since June 24, traversing all 12 police districts.
Storey and a new constable will carry the torches to Parliament, where the flames will be joined and presented to the commissioner.
Storey joined in 1943, part of the force’s third intake of policewomen, and served in Wellington central. The first intake of women was in 1941.
‘‘Thinking back to 75 years ago, there was a lot of conjecture about the value of having women in the police,’’ she says.
‘‘The general public, even though they knew policewomen were around, I don’t think they ever expected to meet one in the flesh.’’
Some of her female colleagues clocked up more than 30 years of service, but Storey left in 1947 with the birth of her daughter.
‘‘We leave.’’
Storey is overwhelmed by the progress the police force has made since. ‘‘I just feel so proud that women have been able to go forward from what was a rather humble didn’t have maternity beginning. And I wish every success for the movement.’’
Bush says the parade is a chance for people to celebrate what is a ‘‘great career choice for women’’, and a significant milestone.
THE PARADE: About 800 police officers and staff, retired staff and more parade from Civic Square (from 12.15pm) down Mercer St, Willis St, and Lambton Quay to Parliament. Bush and Collins will speak at 12.45pm. August 1.